How to Set Up or Adjust the Pitch on Your Turntable / Record Player

[@wintershadow]

7 years since you posted, and you're still helping people out. Big thanks!

[@StillSpinning3]

It’s crazy that it was that long ago. I appreciate you watching and the feedback!

[@lukelarsson]

You just got rid of my 4 month Long headache.

[@ernieguevara33033]

I bought a used Technics SL-D2 and did not know how to adjust the pitch. Now I do...thanks to you. Thank you very much for posting your video.

[@StillSpinning3]

+Ernesto Guevara Glad I could help Ernesto!!!

[@bluemantom77]

Still Spinning is old Technics are a joy to own had mine since the 1990s

[@ivanasin1268]

Dude! I’ve had a technics SL-D1 forever and I just learned - thanks to this video - that the red light is not just a pretty face in this business. Silly me, my biggest complaint about the player was that the pitch didn’t have a mark for where it should be. Thanks, you’re a legend!

[@StillSpinning3]

Appreciate the kind words! Thanks for watching!

[@Travefun8238]

Its not centerline marked because you can also fine tune the speeds on 33 and 45 by adjusting the 2 potentiometers on the main board internally. Most turntables have 2 little holes underside to fit a tiny flathead into the speed pots. You can get both dead on so you dont have to adjust pitch wheel from speed to speed.

[@MJGJ]

You need to learn how to adjust the pitch adjustment screws if those light doesn't match. Also when fine tuning them, you have to make sure your pitch wheel is in the middle. Kinda sucks with these old tables, because there is no telling where the middle of the pitch wheel is. Just gotta guess.

[@mf1932]

Just thought I'd point out for all the other SL-D2 owners out there who obsessively watch the strobe dots (like I do) that its service manual states that some slight movement in the strobe dots is normal.

[@breezebenitses397]

Great video. My lights have dimmed to barely visible. Any suggestions please? Thank you

[@StillSpinning3]

Unfortunately, I’ve never replaced the pitch light.

[@mikel4797]

I had no idea what those lights were spinning for. Makes so much sense now.. Thanks for a great video..

[@StillSpinning3]

Glad it worked out! Thanks for commenting!

[@vicmurai1033]

Does this apply to all three speeds, i.e., 33/13, 45, 78 ? Simply adjust until the large red dots stop moving? Thanks.

[@mikeedwards1757]

I have a sl d2 had problem with pitch cleaned the pich wheel seems better does this model have pitch pots can’t seem to see any only the pitch wheel used deoxit

[@marilyncorbeille9383]

Thank you ❤ This is by far the best demo available for adjusting pitch. Bravo!

[@CJ-gy8ie]

I have the same insignias on my record player. Can you explain what the 4 options are for? I know what 33s and 45s are but what are the 4 insignias next to the knob that say 50 mhz (33 and 45) and 60 mhz (33 and 45) with the little and tall "hat" insignias? Which of the 4 layers am I supposed to calibrate to the "not moving" speed?

[@istomantynen]

Hei! 50Hz is used in Europe and 60Hz used in U.S.A. That Hz You found in your record player back where is all electricity information. I hope that help You!

[@pfcmarks8]

Great video! Thanks so much for posting this.

[@TheBinaryWolf]

Simply put, the top band is for 45RPM and bottom for 33RPM. But the tip about calibrating while the needle is engaged was helpful.

[@StillSpinning3]

Well said.

[@fangas]

Hi there. I have a SLB22D Technics with one pitch adjust for 33 and 45. How can I adjust steady lights strobe for both 33 and 45? Is it possible? Or I have to adjust for 33 and 45 separately? Thanks in advance

[@StillSpinning3]

I have to adjust mine each time I switch.

[@bradenzo]

I have one problem. I have an Aiwa PX-E800 and my turntable doesn’t have the light thing on it. The pitch is just lower than it should be. I don’t know what to do

[@StillSpinning3]

Unfortunately there isn’t much you can do. Some turntables don’t have the ability to adjust the pitch. Is your turntable belt driven or a direct drive?

[@DutchNostalgia]

This is great I am picking up this turntable sunday. But as it only has 1 pitch adjust knob will this mean that 45 and 33 will both change?

[@DutchNostalgia]

I have it now, I also had your problem, needing to change the pitch EVERYTIME I changed from 33 to 45. There is a fix for this, there are two little holes on the inside beneath the platter. Just turn the platter so that you can see them, put a screwdriver in there (Left for 33 rpm and right for 45 rpm) and turn one of them just as long as the strobe doesn't move on 33 OR 45. It's a perfect fix.

[@StillSpinning3]

Thanks for the update!

[@DutchNostalgia]

@@StillSpinning3 No problem, you will really benefit using this trick (if you still have this turntable, as the video is already a little bit older). I never got them EXACTLY precisely steady, but I think that's too much to ask for.

[@christophermilz2881]

Would this be the same approach I'd take with a Technics SL-220, since they're from the same manufacturer?

[@StillSpinning3]

Should be. This should apply for any turntable that has the light for the pitch.

[@Odowla]

I have an SL-B2 that is just wonderful, sounds great, controls well etc. But more recently the pitch adjust is very warbly, it just won't stay to any pitch I set it too. Any small adjustment will cause it to slow and speed up unpredictably. Can anyone tell me how to fix this issue? Thanks so much, in advance for any advice I receive, I haven't played a record in months!!

[@raulcastellanosjr.4754]

Thank you for sharing! I just bought a used Technics SL-D2 after going through several modern turntables. I went through two Audio Technica LP60 turntables and had recurring pitch issues; there is supposed to be an adjustment under that turntable with that can be set with a small screwdriver but I was never able to get it quite right. When I picked up the SL-D2 I was so happy to see that it had a pitch adjustment right there on the front. I'm really looking forward to owning and using the Technics, and now thanks to your video, I know how to get the pitch just right!

[@StillSpinning3]

You won't be disappointed! Enjoy!

[@manfishmeldrum6531]

I've got an Encore technology 3 in 1 player. Not sure the year but it does play a tad high pitched. Not sure if it's just doomed or if there is a way to fix it.

[@StillSpinning3]

Have you seen if anyone on KZbin has that model and modded it to fix the pitch? I’ve seen people do it with crosley units.

[@danielfarje8857]

Well I have this problem. My brand new 45 rpm vinyl sounds a little too slow even though I set the turntable at the correct speed. Strange thing is that I only noticed this problem on side A, but side B seems ok. Could I fix the problem on side A by doing the pitch adjusting as you showed it?

[@StillSpinning3]

Sounds like a bad pressing. Do any other albums do this?

[@sunny-4549]

i have three dials on mine and i cannot get the dots to stop, they will stop for a second and then turn again

[@Fonkemman]

I was so anxious when I cannot align the 33 on the bottom pattern, instead I can align it for the top. And then I saw the small diagram right at the pitch adj. wheel that says 50hz, and electricity where I am is 50hz. Now I can breathe. Using an SL-D2.

[@waldemarmadigan2082]

Pitch is very important. Listening to records with the wrong speed can disturb your ears because of a change of the tuning of the music.

[@dan.nashmusic]

Lol. Have a DL-2 and was just adjusting pitch by ear. Glad i found this!

[@SupaahDragon]

Any tips for doing this with a Emerson?

[@StillSpinning3]

Emerson?

[@SupaahDragon]

@@StillSpinning3 its an older Emerson that has a radio or a caset player as well. If that would help any?

[@sweetpurple8812]

I have a sld2 and I accidentally moved it and now i have it playing wrong

[@lostrecords1443]

i have the exact model i cant understand wich one is for the 33 rpm and 45 rpm

[@StillSpinning3]

I will take a picture of the switch when I get home from work.

[@lostrecords1443]

@@StillSpinning3 thanks bro i found the details near the pitch knob :) because i had to adjust from the inside (under the spindle) thanks bro

[@StillSpinning3]

Awesome!

[@burnerloco4138]

i have a 40 year old fisher studio standard, still works but the speed is all over the place

[@StillSpinning3]

I hate when that happens. If it’s a belt drive table, your belt may need to be replaced.

[@garretts91]

I have the same table. Does your's wander slowly over time or are the marks rock steady? I can't get mine perfectly still. On 33rpm a new mark will come into view every 30-40 seconds. They look still for the most part but I'd say they "wander" slightly.

[@StillSpinning3]

Mine stays pretty steady for the most part. Just make sure the unit is level.

[@kozemchuk]

What if the dots oscillate back and fourth? It's causing dissonance in the sound. It's a direct drive....

[@StillSpinning3]

I would need to see it. Hard to diagnose without seeing it.

[@kozemchuk]

@@StillSpinning3 Thanks for the reply - I figured it out! It's the turntable not spinning at a consistent speed. I saw another video and took it apart, sprayed Deoxit in the pitch control pots and the 33/45 switch, totally fixed.

[@StillSpinning3]

Thanks for the update! Glad you are up and running!

[@HurryRestauri]

Thank you! In my FR-D3 it sees perfectly

[@antonioscalcione7921]

I’ve been trying to accomplish this for the PAST HOUR!! The bottom light thing continues to go as fast as it can in both left and right directions. I’m completely losing it

[@IfeelKindaSick]

Was very helpful, thanks a lot 👍👍

[@jamescarter2118]

Holy cow, this was helpful! Also, mine would not quite dial in exactly--the dots never quite stopped moving; rather they sort of slowly jogged back and forth. Mine is a new-to-me Technics SL-230 from around 1977 and, I didn't know it, but filthy! I took it apart, pulled the platter and found the belt guide on the platter was coated in decades of gunk and the motor spindle had chunks of old rubber (I assume from an old belt) stuck to one side of it. I cleaned everything and, bang!, dialed it in exactly. Works and sounds fantastic!

[@StillSpinning3]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah some of those vintage decks can be pretty nasty!

[@ॐmusic]

Hey thank you for this. I have a crosley and I know what you mean. Besides that, I haven't listened to a record since I was a kid at my great grandma's house. And kids hearing is different, so I guess I thought vinyl records weren't as cool as everyone said bc the crosley doesn't really seem to be anything special like you're saying. Also as I get older I'm more sensitive to high frequency sounds, so I'd love to be able to adjust the pitch on my favorite albums!

[@nleviev]

You help me! Thanks bro!!!

[@bluemantom77]

been with vinyl since the eighties I didn't learn about Pitch until 1990 when I got my first set of DJ turntables they where no Technics 1200's they Gemini DJ Q 1200's but I'm like the deck you're using it had a center for the pitch I still got one left of the two after all these years and I own two technics Sl-d1's I modified one vampire cables cost me $90 but the sound it brings out is well worth it

[@StillSpinning3]

+Thomas dj kid solo Carroll Awesome!

[@FlankerTanker]

thanks for the video helps a lot as I have an AKAI 1970s Turntable - but I noticed you did not say anything about the 4 sets of different Hz (Pitch) - based on my AKAI it would seem that you set yours on 50Hz at 45 rpm (Single) - for those who wish to know a little more (based on the AKAI Direct drive AP-206C - the pitch can be set for 50 or 60Hz at 33rpm (LP) or 50, 60 Hz at 45rpm(single) - the top markers are 50 Hz at 33, then you have 60Hz at 33, then third from top 50Hz at 45 and then then 4th from top (Bottom) is 60Hz at 45.

[@CJ-gy8ie]

Thank you for this! Can you explain to me which one of the 33rpm options I want to have calibrated and WHY that's the one I want calibrated?

[@bminton85]

Video helped me out so much!! I just got into spinning records and have Technics SL-D5! Great helpful video

[@StillSpinning3]

+Brandon Minton Glad they helped! My Technics SL-D3 is my main turntable so I will have more tutorials in the future. Subscribe and keep in touch!

[@sethhorst6158]

I'm saying my record player only has power and volume combined and a track setting with 45, Neutral and 33.

[@StillSpinning3]

+Seth Horst Those old turntables were much simpler.

[@sethhorst6158]

IKR.

[@gearheadted9210]

my sl220 was playing fast,cleaned all the pots with deoxit,still fast,i was reading the wrong row of dots haha,thanks for the vid!

[@StillSpinning3]

You're welcome!

[@CJ-gy8ie]

How do you know which row of dots to calibrate? There are 4 options here but only 2 speeds.

[@jr.zac.9447]

Just saved a couple of dollars 💸 thanks dude

[@charlie.drowned]

Much obliged. Tbh I had no idea what the red light was even for and I've owned this thing for months!

[@StillSpinning3]

+Justus Claghorn Keep an eye on it when you change from 33 to 45rpm. I have to adjust the pitch slightly when I switch speeds.

[@charlie.drowned]

Thanks!

[@iangreen6886]

Thank you I had no idea great video my acoustic turntable now works great thanks again Ian

[@StillSpinning3]

You’re welcome!!

[@charlesralston8308]

Thank u thank u been driving me nuts

[@Nigtmaredemon]

What if my pitch keeps changing on it own ?

[@StillSpinning3]

Is the turntable level?

[@markb81]

Brilliant. Never knew this.

[@michaelfunke749]

Yep. Thanks for this.

[@StillSpinning3]

You’re welcome!

[@michaelbell5238]

Nice one! & thanks.

[@mentallychallenged]

I have an SL-D2 and this video really helped me unfuck my pitch. Thanks a million, dude.

[@StillSpinning3]

+Dongs McSkeevers Glad it helped unfuck it!

[@theloreoffilm2229]

Ditto bruv haha

[@sethhorst6158]

My first Record player I got during December 2016 is a antique made in the 1950's.

[@theabbot88]

Holy shit. Game changer

[@KBParrots]

AWESOME THANK YOU SIR

[@max210379]

wow great info....

[@markharrington3775]

Excellent thanks

[@rwdtk000000]

Awesome. Thank you

[@StillSpinning3]

Glad I could help!

[@yesshows100]

@@StillSpinning3 So if the pitch is at 0 the turntable should be spinning at 33-1/3? If the pitch is at 0 and the strobe is moving I guess the pitch is off a little and it's not 33-1/3.

[@timpalfreman833]

THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!

[@StillSpinning3]

+Tim Palfreman You're welcome!

[@rob9204]

I just got a bit smarter-thanks for that.

[@StillSpinning3]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@curtylou]

Life saver!! So cool

[@wolfsonn4061]

If you don't hear it, when the sound is off you shouldn't care -

[@StillSpinning3]

Okay.

[@moefoe3213]

I got one cheap ass turn table so I don't know wtf is going on

[@cv507]

pitch mc mids amp well maybe hardlie nheed to go thousands? ? oh and that noise on the 2nd half v v oh yeah sk8ing xD hole cards are pure mehjicc... and you can use them 4 karrnefall xD

[@MissyMuzo]

I bought a Crosley Cruiser and am seriously regretting my life choices. The sound is horrible.

[@StillSpinning3]

Yeah, those entry level turntables like Crosley and Victrola have the lowest quality cartridge.

[@jaydmhearne]

Yet another person who thinks he knows what the stroboscope is for but has no idea 😂

[@StillSpinning3]

Thank you for watching!

[@StillSpinning3]

How does a turntable strobe work? A strobe light flashes rapidly. Most commonly at 100 (50Hz version) or 120 times a second (60Hz version). The platter or disc is marked with dots or lines. A flash illuminates each individual line as it passes. When the speed is accurate, the motion of the marks is "frozen" by the strobe light. Slight speed inaccuracy shows as a gradual drift in the markings.

[@mikeedwards1757]

What if they drift slightly is that ok or is something wrong got sl d2